Ban on e-bikes in Metro Manila roads begins

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started yesterday the implementation of the ban on electric tricycles and e-bicycles from using major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region.

However, the MMDA deferred the issuance of traffic citation tickets to violators.

Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the agency would begin issuing traffic violation tickets tomorrow.

“Those who will be apprehended will only be informed about the policy, which aims to ensure road safety,” Artes said at a press briefing.

The ban also covers push carts, pedicabs and other light electric vehicles, the MMDA said.

The prohibition is in compliance with the regulation issued by the Metro Manila Council, the policy-making body of the MMDA, which is composed of mayors in the metropolis.

Under the regulation, tricycles, e-trikes and e-bikes are prohibited from traversing national, circumferential and radial roads in Metro Manila.

Covered by the ban are A. Bonifacio Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway, Elliptical Road, EDSA, Katipunan Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard/Aurora Boulevard, Mindanao Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, President Quirino Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Taft Avenue, Recto Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Shaw Boulevard, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway and South Luzon Expressway.

Violators will be fined P2,500 and unregistered vehicles will be impounded.

In Manila, traffic enforcers yesterday started issuing citation tickets to violators.